New Jersey councilman charged with selling cocaine, meth to undercover cop

Flemington Borough Councilman Malik Johnston was arrested on charges of selling cocaine and methamphetamine, the Office of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor announced Friday.

"On various occasions between December 2022 and February 2023 in Raritan Township, Mr. Johnston sold quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine to an undercover police officer," the statement says.

"Further investigation revealed Mr. Johnston to be in possession of additional quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to distribute while in the Borough of Flemington," the statement continues.

Johnston, 47, is also known as Pippin J. Folk. He faces second-degree charges of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute controlled, dangerous substances. Criminal penalties for the charges include five to ten years in prison and fines of up to $150,000.

"The joint investigation demonstrates the expertise and professionalism of Hunterdon County's law enforcement community," Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson said in the statement. She credited the Flemington Borough Police Department and the Narcotics Task Force for their "model investigation" that resulted in Johnston's arrest.

Johnston won a seat on the Borough's council in November, 2020, with 27.49% of the vote. Per the Borough's website, Johnston serves on the Animal Control, Courts, Fleming House, Library, and Shade Tree committees. His term expires in 2023.

The Flemington Borough Council recently approved a bond ordinance resolution for $1.47 million to finance a new location for the Flemington Police Department, TapInto reported on August 16, 2022. The new police station is "absolutely necessary for the police officers and ensuring their long-term health," Johnston reportedly said of the initiative.

"The Borough of Flemington has been made aware today by the Flemington Chief of Police and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor of the arrest of Council Member Malik Johnston," according to a statement from the Borough of Flemington obtained by Blaze News.

"The Borough of Flemington has no comment at this time, and will refer all questions to the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's office," the Borough's statement concluded.

Johnston is lodged at the Warren County Correctional Center as he awaits his first court appearance, according to the statement from the Office of the Hunterdon County Prosecutor.

Blaze News has requested comment from Johnston.

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